Feudalism in the year 2013

[swissie]

Many a Farang is confused by the "inner-workings" of Thailand. It would be less confusing, by accepting the fact, that Thailand is basically still a "Feudalisticly" structured country. Some 50 "important" families control the country economically.

There are forces emerging, determined to implement changes. But under closer scrutiny, they only want to oust the ruling class to take their place with the purpose of sticking their snout into the "feeding-through" of state-finance. Promising bombastic "infra-structure-projects". The money to accomplish this will be borrowed overseas (where else).

Whoever will be ruling Thailand, they seem to agree on one thing: Keep the masses stupid and ignorant, but occasionally disperse some candy among the electorate.

There is no educated Thai, that would not confirm that the entire Thai-Educational System is simply a scandal beyond excuse.

In general: How will Thailand be able to withstand the harsh winds of the coming Typhoon called ASEAN?

Cheers.

[benalibina]

ASEAN; Same same but different. IMO they all rocking the same boat ! Sad though that a beautiful country like Thailand, with the soil and geography it has, is run by people who have shamelessly only interest, THEMSELVES ! Any country run by people like that, well...... you know.

[mauGR1]

I respect the OP point of view, but IMHO, everywhere is the same (but different ) ... It's just that in the so-called developing countries, it's more evident..

[LuukKoeyKorat]

I think you mean AEC?

[LuukKoeyKorat]

Today's Thai 'feudalism' as you call it, is product of centuries of social and cultural makeup in the country. It won't disappear with the formation of AEC in 2 years time, but it will take increasing enlightenment by successive generations for years to come. If at all...unfortunately I am not convinced that there is any general desire, or any leadership figures on the horizon to change the social status quo.

[benalibina]

Today's Thai 'feudalism' as you call it, is product of centuries of social and cultural makeup in the country. It won't disappear with the formation of AEC in 2 years time, but it will take increasing enlightenment by successive generations for years to come. If at all...unfortunately I am not convinced that there is any general desire, or any leadership figures on the horizon to change the social status quo.

Voronai Vanijaka maybe, columnist/opinionwriter of Bangkok Post ?

[NanLaew]

Nothing wrong with a bit of feudal patronage IMHO. Could be a lot worse, like President Kagame of Rwanda who reportedly stayed in a $15,000 per night room in New York. An amount that would take the average Rwandan 80 years to earn... if he lived that long.

"Snouts in troughs?" All a bit old hat there swissie. Try and find something original or at least a bit more pithy to stir sh!t about.